Discover the best Chè Thập Cẩm (Vietnamese mixed jellies and beans dessert) in Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward! Explore authentic stalls, eco-friendly tours, and updated costs with Legend Travel Group. Book your sweet adventure now!
Chè thập cẩm, Hanoi’s cherished mixed jellies and beans dessert (chè thập cẩm in Vietnamese), is a must-try for international travelers, offering a colorful, textural sweet treat that embodies Vietnam’s vibrant culinary heritage. This layered dessert combines mung beans, black-eyed peas, kidney beans, tapioca pearls, pandan or grass jelly, and tropical fruits like longan or lychee, all bathed in sweet coconut milk and served with shaved ice for a refreshing finish. Found at bustling street stalls and cozy dessert shops across Hoan Kiem, Ba Đình, and Hai Bà Trưng Wards, chè thập cẩm is enjoyed throughout the day, reflecting Hanoi’s love for versatile, communal sweets. Its diverse ingredients and cooling nature make it a cultural staple, especially in the humid summer. Aligned with Hanoi’s “Green Capital” initiative, many vendors use biodegradable bowls and locally sourced beans and fruits, ensuring sustainable dining. Legend Travel Group’s eco-friendly dessert tours guide travelers to Hanoi’s top chè thập cẩm spots, providing a responsible, immersive experience. Book via the links throughout this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!
Vietnam’s administrative restructuring has reclassified Hanoi’s districts as wards or communes, with Hoan Kiem District now Hoan Kiem Ward, Ba Đình District now Ba Đình Ward, and Hai Bà Trưng District now Hai Bà Trưng District under Hanoi City’s administration. This streamlines access to chè thập cẩm hotspots via sustainable infrastructure.
Legend Travel Group excels in sustainable Southeast Asia tourism, offering guided eco-friendly dessert tours in Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem, Ba Đình, and Hai Bà Trưng Wards, tailored for travelers seeking authentic culinary adventures. Our tours use low-impact transport like cyclos and electric carts, led by English-speaking guides who share insights into chè thập cẩm’s cultural significance, ensuring a safe, enriching experience. Supporting local vendors, we align with Hanoi’s green initiatives. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we make planning effortless. Book our eco-tours via the links on this page and savor chè thập cẩm responsibly! TripAdvisor Reviews
Chè thập cẩm, meaning “mixed sweet dessert” in Vietnamese, is Hanoi’s iconic sweet soup, a layered treat blending beans (mung, black-eyed, kidney), tapioca pearls, pandan or grass jelly, and fruits like longan, mango, or lychee, all topped with creamy coconut milk and shaved ice. Variations may include lotus seeds, taro, aloe vera, or pandan leaf extract, creating a colorful, textural delight. Priced at $0.50–$1.50 (12,500–37,500 VND), chè thập cẩm is an affordable dessert available from morning to evening at street stalls and dessert shops across Hoan Kiem Ward, in a tropical monsoon climate (dry season: November–April, 15–28°C or 59–82.4°F; rainy season: May–October, 22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°F). Sustainable vendors use biodegradable bowls and locally sourced ingredients, enhancing eco-conscious dining. Its sweet, cooling nature and cultural versatility make chè thập cẩm a highlight for travelers exploring Hanoi’s dessert scene.
Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward, with extensions into Ba Đình and Hai Bà Trưng, hosts some of Vietnam’s most celebrated chè thập cẩm stalls, each offering vibrant flavors and sustainable practices. Below are the top five, based on recent reviews and eco-friendly credentials:
Chè Bốn Mùa, a Hoan Kiem Ward institution, is renowned for its classic chè thập cẩm, earning a 4.5/5 rating on local food blogs for its generous mix of mung beans, tapioca pearls, pandan jelly, and coconut milk. Served in biodegradable bowls with shaved ice, this stall’s local sourcing makes it a sustainable choice, drawing travelers and locals to its vibrant Old Quarter setting.
Signature Dish: Chè thập cẩm with longan and coconut milk (25,000 VND or ~$1).
Cost: $0.50–$1.50 (12,500–37,500 VND); drinks $0.20–$0.50 (5,000–12,500 VND).
Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–10:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Biodegradable bowls; local beans and fruits.
Tip: Visit in the evening for lively street vibes; included in our Hanoi Dessert Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Quán Chè Bà Hạnh, tucked in a narrow Hoan Kiem Ward alley, is a hidden gem praised for its rich chè thập cẩm, featuring mung beans, lotus seeds, and grass jelly in eco-friendly packaging. Its sustainable sourcing from local markets and intimate setting make it a favorite for travelers seeking authentic Hanoi desserts.
Signature Dish: Chè thập cẩm with lotus seeds and shaved ice (20,000 VND or ~$0.80).
Cost: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND); drinks $0.20–$0.50 (5,000–12,500 VND).
Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM–9:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Biodegradable bowls; local ingredients.
Tip: Navigate the alley with Maps.me; included in our Hanoi Dessert Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Chè Ngõ Huyện, near St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Hoan Kiem Ward, is celebrated for its colorful chè thập cẩm, blending black-eyed peas, tapioca, and lychee with coconut milk, served in biodegradable bowls. Its eco-friendly practices and proximity to landmarks make it a sustainable stop for travelers exploring the Old Quarter.
Signature Dish: Chè thập cẩm with lychee and pandan jelly (25,000 VND or ~$1).
Cost: $0.50–$1.50 (12,500–37,500 VND); drinks $0.20–$0.50 (5,000–12,500 VND).
Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–8:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Biodegradable bowls; local sourcing.
Tip: Visit after cathedral sightseeing; included in our Hanoi Dessert Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Quán Chè Cô Thủy, in Hai Bà Trưng District near Hoan Kiem Ward, is known for its traditional chè thập cẩm, featuring mung beans, taro, and longan in eco-friendly packaging. Its sustainable sourcing and spacious setup make it a top choice for travelers seeking a cooling dessert with local flair.
Signature Dish: Chè thập cẩm with taro and coconut milk (30,000 VND or ~$1.20).
Cost: $0.80–$1.50 (20,000–37,500 VND); drinks $0.20–$0.50 (5,000–12,500 VND).
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–9:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Biodegradable bowls; local fruits.
Tip: Visit at lunch for a sweet break; included in our Hanoi Cultural Dessert Tour ($100–$150).
Chè Trúc Bạch, near Trúc Bạch Lake in Ba Đình Ward, offers a serene setting for chè thập cẩm, blending kidney beans, pandan jelly, and mango with coconut milk, served in biodegradable bowls. Its eco-friendly practices and lakeside charm make it a sustainable pick for travelers seeking a refreshing dessert.
Signature Dish: Chè thập cẩm with mango and tapioca pearls (25,000 VND or ~$1).
Cost: $0.50–$1.50 (12,500–37,500 VND); drinks $0.20–$0.50 (5,000–12,500 VND).
Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–8:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Biodegradable bowls; local ingredients.
Tip: Pair with a lakeside walk; included in our Hanoi Cultural Dessert Tour ($100–$150).
Visit top dessert shops like Chè Bốn Mùa or Quán Chè Bà Hạnh, a 15–30-minute culinary experience showcasing sustainable sourcing.
Cost: $0.50–$1.50 (12,500–37,500 VND); drinks $0.20–$0.50 (5,000–12,500 VND).
Hours: Typically 7:00 AM–10:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Biodegradable bowls; local beans and fruits.
Tip: Stir well to blend flavors; included in our Hanoi Dessert Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Embark on a guided tour to chè thập cẩm stalls, a 2–3-hour eco-friendly activity using cyclos or walking, immersing travelers in Hanoi’s dessert culture.
Cost: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND) per person.
Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–9:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Low-impact transport; supports local vendors.
Tip: Included in our Hanoi Cultural Dessert Tour ($100–$150).
Join a dessert-making class to master chè thập cẩm, a 2–3-hour sustainable activity using local ingredients, perfect for hands-on cultural immersion.
Cost: $20–$40 (500,000–1,000,000 VND) per person.
Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Organic produce; minimal waste.
Top Spots: Apron Up Cooking Class (8 Gia Ngư, Hoan Kiem Ward); Hanoi Cooking Centre (44 Châu Long, Ba Đình Ward).
Tip: Included in our Hanoi & Son Tay Immersion ($250–$400).
Explore Đồng Xuân Market (Ba Đình Ward, 0.5 km from Hoan Kiem) to source fresh beans, fruits, and coconut milk, a 1–2-hour low-impact activity supporting local suppliers.
Cost: Free entry; purchases $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Local sourcing; reusable bags.
Tip: Included in our Hanoi Dessert Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Sample dishes like bánh mì or phở at nearby stalls, a 30–60-minute sustainable experience, enhancing chè thập cẩm’s sweetness.
Cost: $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND) per dish.
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–10:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Supports vendors; biodegradable packaging.
Top Spots: Bánh Mì 25 (25 Hàng Cá, Hoan Kiem Ward); Phở Thìn (13 Lò Sũ, Hoan Kiem Ward).
Tip: Included in our Hanoi Cultural Dessert Tour ($100–$150).
Chè thập cẩm stalls in Hoan Kiem Ward are accessible in 10–15 minutes from central Hanoi, while those in Ba Đình or Hai Bà Trưng Wards take 20–25 minutes, using sustainable options:
By Bus: Routes 01, 09, or 14 to Hoan Kiem spots (10–15 min, $0.30–$0.50 or 7,000–12,000 VND); Routes 03, 08, or 23 to Ba Đình/Hai Bà Trưng (20–25 min, $0.30–$0.50 or 7,000–12,000 VND). Walk 5–10 minutes. Buses run every 10–20 minutes from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
By Cyclo or Electric Cart: From Hoan Kiem Lake, hire a cyclo to Hoan Kiem spots (5–10 min, $2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) or Ba Đình/Hai Bà Trưng (20 min, $4–$7 or 100,000–175,000 VND).
By Bicycle or Walking: Rent a bicycle in Hoan Kiem Ward ($1–$3/day or 25,000–75,000 VND) or walk 10 minutes to Hoan Kiem spots. Cycling to Ba Đình/Hai Bà Trưng takes 20–25 minutes.
By Taxi or Grab: To Hoan Kiem spots, $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND) one-way; to Ba Đình/Hai Bà Trưng, $4–$6 (100,000–150,000 VND) one-way. Round-trip: $4–$8 (100,000–200,000 VND) for Hoan Kiem, $8–$12 (200,000–300,000 VND) for others.
By Private Car (Legend Travel Group): Book a private car ($30–$50 or 750,000–1,250,000 VND round-trip for up to 4 people) for eco-friendly travel with stopovers.
By Air (to Hanoi): Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), 25 km away. Round-trip flights: Ho Chi Minh City ($80–$150 or 2,000,000–3,750,000 VND), Da Nang ($60–$120 or 1,500,000–3,000,000 VND), international (e.g., Bangkok, $200–$600). Airport Bus No. 86 to Hoan Kiem Ward ($1.40 or 35,000 VND); taxi/Grab to Hoan Kiem ($12–$15 or 300,000–375,000 VND). Navigation Tip: Use offline maps (Maps.me) with addresses (e.g., “4 Hàng Cân, Hoan Kiem Ward”). English-speaking guides from our tours simplify navigation.
Dry Season (November–April, 15–28°C or 59–82.4°F): Mild weather is ideal for street dining in Hoan Kiem Ward. Tet (January–February) adds festive energy but increases crowds and prices by 20–30%. Book tours early.
Rainy Season (May–October, 22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°F): Warm, humid weather enhances chè thập cẩm’s cooling appeal, with 15–25% tour discounts. Covered stalls like Cô Thủy are ideal during rain. Bring waterproof gear ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).
Morning (8:00 AM–11:00 AM): Fresh chè at Bà Lan for early risers.
Afternoon (2:00 PM–5:00 PM): Peak time for refreshing breaks at Bốn Mùa.
Evening (6:00 PM–9:00 PM): Relaxed dessert at Tự Nhiên, perfect with night market vibes.
Pack these essentials for a sustainable, comfortable visit:
Clothing: Lightweight, modest outfits for cultural respect; comfortable shoes for Old Quarter walking. Waterproof jackets for rainy season.
Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat.
Travel Essentials: Mosquito repellent, reusable water bottle, compact umbrella ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).
Tech Gear: Smartphone with offline maps (Maps.me), portable charger.
Documents: Passport, travel insurance, tour confirmations, VND (50,000–200,000 notes).
Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote bag, straw to minimize waste.
Extras: Notebook for dessert notes; cash, as most stalls are cash-only. Tip: Carry small VND notes for stall payments; use a reusable bowl to reduce waste.
Food and Activity Fees
Chè Thập Cẩm: $0.50–$1.50 (12,500–37,500 VND) per bowl; premium $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Drinks (e.g., trà đá, Hanoi beer): $0.20–$1.50 (5,000–37,500 VND).
Guided Dessert Tour: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).
Dessert-Making Class: $20–$40 (500,000–1,000,000 VND).
Market Purchases: $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).
Other Street Food (e.g., bánh mì): $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).
Ngoc Son Temple (Hoan Kiem): $1.20 (30,000 VND).
Transportation (Round-Trip, from Hoan Kiem Ward)
Bus: $0.60–$1 (14,000–24,000 VND).
Cyclo/Electric Cart: $4–$10 (100,000–250,000 VND) for Hoan Kiem; $8–$14 (200,000–350,000 VND) for Ba Đình/Hai Bà Trưng.
Bicycle: $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).
Walking (Hoan Kiem): Free.
Taxi/Grab: $4–$8 (100,000–200,000 VND) for Hoan Kiem; $8–$12 (200,000–300,000 VND) for Ba Đình/Hai Bà Trưng.
Private Car: $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND).
Airport Bus No. 86 + Taxi: $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND).
Accommodation (Per Night, Double Occupancy)
Homestays: $20–$50 (500,000–1,250,000 VND).
Hotels: $30–$80 (750,000–2,000,000 VND).
Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $10–$25 (bus, chè thập cẩm, homestay).
Mid-range: $35–$55 (cyclo, dessert tour, hotel).
Luxury: $75–$110 (private car, dessert class, premium hotel). Tip: Book early for Tet or dry season; carry VND for small purchases.
Choose Your Season: Dry season (November–April) for street dining; rainy season (May–October) for covered stalls with discounts. Afternoon (2:00 PM–5:00 PM) for cooling breaks.
Book in Advance: Reserve Legend Travel Group’s dessert tours 3–5 weeks ahead for peak seasons to secure spots.
Sustainability: Walk or use cyclos ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) in Hoan Kiem to reduce emissions; choose stalls with biodegradable bowls. Buy local fruits ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND) at markets to support farmers.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) with addresses like “4 Hàng Cân, Hoan Kiem Ward.” English-speaking guides simplify navigation.
Safety: Watch for pickpockets in the Old Quarter; keep valuables secure. Carry a first-aid kit.
Weather Considerations: Dry season for outdoor stalls; rainy season requires waterproof gear ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND). Check AccuWeather for updates.
Cultural Respect: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you); tip vendors $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND). Respect stall etiquette, as seating is limited.
Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50 or 12,500 VND); apply mosquito repellent. Request “ít đường” for less sweet chè thập cẩm if preferred.
Our sustainable tours showcase Hanoi’s chè thập cẩm culture:
Hanoi Dessert Eco-Tour ($50–$80/person, 1 day): Cyclo ride to Chè Bốn Mùa or Quán Chè Bà Hạnh, dessert tasting, Đồng Xuân Market visit. Includes English-speaking guide, cyclo.
Hanoi Cultural Dessert Tour ($100–$150/person, 2 days): Chè Ngõ Huyện, Cô Thủy, Ngoc Son Temple, dessert-making class, homestay ($20–$50/night). Includes meals, guide.
Hanoi & Son Tay Immersion ($250–$400/person, 3 days): All top chè thập cẩm stalls, Son Tay Citadel, Ba Vi National Park, homestays. Includes meals, eco-transfers. Prices include English-speaking guides, eco-transfers, and fees. Enjoy 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now via links around this page! TripAdvisor Reviews
Chè Thập Cẩm, Hanoi's sweet, layered masterpiece, is a vibrant dessert that blends beans, jellies, fruits, and coconut milk into a refreshing, textural delight. From the bustling Chè Bốn Mùa in Hoan Kiem Ward to the serene Chè Trúc Bạch by the lake, Hanoi's top chè thập cẩm stalls offer travelers an authentic taste of Vietnam's dessert heritage. With eco-friendly practices like biodegradable bowls and local sourcing, these vendors ensure sustainable indulgence. Legend Travel Group's Hanoi Tours provide a responsible, immersive journey, ensuring a sustainable Hanoi Travel experience guiding travelers to Hanoi's finest chè thập cẩm spots. Whether savoring a chilled bowl in the Old Quarter or exploring Đồng Xuân Market, chè thập cẩm promises an unforgettable adventure. Don't miss out—browse our featured tours and book your Hanoi culinary adventure today!
Ready to taste Hanoi's iconic Chè Thập Cẩm? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable dessert journey!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
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